What is the going rate for a plain concrete patio slab in Ottawa?

Plain broom-finish concrete slabs in Ottawa run about $9 to $15 per square foot installed, and small jobs often hit a minimum charge of about $5,500, according to Ottawa price pages. That range covers a straightforward pour on a prepared base with a standard broom finish.

What moves a quote within or above that range includes the size of the slab and whether the minimum charge applies, how much excavation and base preparation the site needs, whether old concrete has to come out first, how accessible the backyard is for a truck and wheelbarrow, and the time of year the work is done.

A few City of Ottawa rules apply to this job. Since March 1, 2026, the City requires any business installing a concrete patio on private property to hold a hardscaping contractor licence. The licence costs $319 for 2026 and requires the contractor to carry commercial general liability insurance of not less than $2,000,000 and automobile liability insurance of not less than $2,000,000, and to give you a copy of the City's Landscaping Education Guide. The City publishes a list of licensed hardscaping contractors; ask to see the licence and check the list yourself. Ottawa Concrete Pros does not verify anyone's licence or insurance. On the permit side, the City's patio page says a patio supported directly on the ground may be exempt from a building permit if it meets the conditions listed there, but those conditions should be confirmed for your specific lot. Both Zoning By-laws 2008-250 and 2026-50 apply to applications deemed complete on or after March 11, 2026, with the most restrictive provisions from each governing; the zoning rules set limits on how much of a front or exterior side yard can be hard-surfaced, so confirm the rules for your lot with the City. If the work involves digging, whoever digs must submit a locate request through Ontario Dig Authority at least five business days before breaking ground; locates are free and required by the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012.

When you get quotes, ask for the concrete compressive strength in writing. The 2024 Ontario Building Code sets 32 MPa as the standard for exterior flatwork. Ask for the base depth and material, whether removal and disposal of any existing concrete is included, and what cold-weather protection is planned if the air temperature drops below 5 °C during or after the pour. The Consumer Protection Act, 2002 says a supplier shall not charge more than 10 per cent above an estimate included in an agreement, and a written direct agreement over $50 gives you a 10-day cancellation right.

Before you sign, ask the contractor to put the base specification, the concrete strength and the disposal plan in writing so you have something to compare across quotes.